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ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA
THE  STANDING COMMITTEE FOR OBSERVATIONAL ACTIVITIES

COMET AND NOVA SECTION

FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
For 1963.

1. HISTORY
       The Comet and Nova Section was introduced to the members of the
Society on November 15, 1961 when "Bulletin No. 1 was issued.  At that
time, only the Montreal Centre had a programme for the systemmatic
search for new objects, but by the end of the year several other Centres
informed the National Coordinator of this section indicated interest
in this work.
       By the time "Bulletin #2" was issued on March 1, 1962, the National
Coordinator had received replies from ten of the sixteen Centres.
Members from Montrea, Niagara Falls, and Hamilton soon began reporting
searches, and these Centres are still active at the end of 1963.
       Bulletin #3 was issued on June 18, 1962 summarizing the work
done to date.  On March 19, 1963, Bulletin #4 was issued which introduced
a new programme (searching the dome with the naked eye), and summarized
the work done during 1962.
       The following announcements were mailed to all Centres:
Announcement #1.  December 1961.  Comet Seki.
Announcement #2.  March 1962.     Comet Seki-Lines, 1962-c.
Announcement #3.  March 23, 1962. Comet Seki-Lines, 1963-c (continued).
Announcement 4.   June 18, 1962.  Comet Humason, 1961-e.
Announcement #5.  Feb. 19, 1963.  Comet Ikeya, 1963-a.
Announcement #6.  Feb. 26, 1963.  Nova Herculis, 1963.
Announcement #7.  Apr. 7, 1963.   Comet Alcock, 1963-b.


2. SEARCHES FOR COMETS AND NOVAE

       During 1963, 2299 searches were made by 21 observers.  They
observed about 60 of the 400 areas visible from Canada.  During 1962,
1953 searches were made by 27 observers, so that although there were
fewer observers, the actual number of searches increased.  It was
discovered that many observers would be enthusiastic in starting this
programme, but wuold drop out after a few months.  However, those who
remain are active and reliable observers.  Most observers used binoculars
and checked stars in their 10° x 10° areas to approximately sixth magnitude.
 Several observers made naked eye searches of the dome.


3. OBSERVATIONS OF COMET AND NOVAE.
       Many reports were received on Comets Ikeya (1963a) and Alcock
(1963b), but many were only summaries or statements that it was seen.
Not enough information was received to analyse these comets.  The
National Coordinator understands that many more observations were made
but never reported.  Many members and Centres like to keep copies
of observations for their own records, and making copies is either time
consuming or expensive.  At the moment there seems to be no solution

p. 2    Comet and Nova Section.  First Annual Report.  For the year 1963.




for this problem.  No standard report forms have been made for the report-
ing of observations, although instruction forms have been prepared.
Perhaps, however, if report forms were made, it would encourage observers
 to send in their observations.  This matter should be given much thought
and the National Coordinator would like advise from the Chairman and
Committee before going ahead with any plans on such a project.
   Observations of Nova Herculis, 1963 numbered 153 from 8 observers.
From observations received, it was determined that a secondary maximum
occured about March 1 (magnitude 4.9 to 5.1) and by the end of 1963 it
was down to magnitude 10.

4. DISCOVERYS.
       Mr. Matte of the Quebec Centre made independent discoverys of the
separation of Comet Alcock, and of the sudden brightening of Comet Ikeya.
Mr. A. J. Morehouse, an unattached member, also made an independent
discovery of the brightening of comet Ikeya.


5. BULLETINS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
       One bulletin and three announcements were mailed during 1963.
Copies were sent to all Centres, the other National Coordinators, the
Standing Committee, the President of the R.A.S.C., and other who indicated
an interest in this section.  There are about 40 names on the mailing
list of the Comet and Nova Section.


6. CORRESPONDENCE.
       During 1963, the National Coordinator of this section received 60
letters and notices, and wrote 56 letters (not including acknowledgements).
The coordinator heard from the following eight Centres during the year:
Hamilton, London, Montreal, Niagara Falls, Quebec, Toronto, Victoria,
and Winnipeg.  In addition, several unattached members wrote regarding
the programme.


7. SUMMARY.
       The activity in this section has changed little during the year,
and only a few new members started taking an active part in the programme
while several became inactive.  Although it is known that many members
of the Society observe Comets and Novae when they appear, only a small
part of the observations are reported.  The national coordinator would
like to see much more interest in this programme.


                                          Respectfully submitted,


108 Roy Avenue, Apr. 102                  Jim Low, National Coordinator
Dorval, P.Q.                              Comet and Nova Section